I read this somewhere and am interested in whether it’s true and to what degree?
Some info here http://runnersconnect.net/running-injury-prevention/ibuprofen-and-running/ I’m sure there are studies that argue both sides of the equation.
“Since we now know that inflammation is actually an important step in the healing process, we can begin to appreciate how taking anti-inflammatory medications after hard workouts may inhibit training adaptations.
When you run, you actually create small micro-tears in the muscles with every step you take. The faster or harder you run, the more forcefully you contract the muscles and the more damage you incur. These micro-tears stimulate an inflammatory response, signaling the body to deliver resources such as blood, oxygen, and nutrients to begin the healing process. By taking anti-inflammatory drugs, you prevent the inflammation process from initiating the healing process.
Recently, numerous studies have confirmed this new theory on the harmful effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. One study on the effects of Ibuprofen on skeletal muscle showed that taking ibuprofen during endurance training canceled running-distance-dependent adaptations in skeletal muscle. Another study confirmed in the laboratory that the use of NSAIDs after exercise slowed the healing of muscles, tissues, ligaments and bones.
The research is clear. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil and ibuprofen after a workout will result in slower recovery times.”
My common sense view is that if you need NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation after a workout, then you’re basically removing some of your own body’s natural adaptation process from the stress of a hard workout. In that case, just cut the workout short or easier, skip the NSAIDs/Ice/Compression and be at exactly the same place physiologically as you would be with the easier workout. Also making your organs work harder after hard workouts to repair the body, should have long term benefits of making them stronger/more efficient too…maybe not, that’s just my hypothesis . But it stands to reason if organs have to work harder, in recovery, they will adapt to deal with the load. Why do young guys recover faster from workout than old guys? Well heck, it’s cause all their organs are more efficient than old guys. So why take that work load away from the organs…over time, they will become less efficient at dealing with the post workout stresses…again, all hypothesis.
If you take NSAIDs post-workout you will probably get less adaptation than if you did not.
However, taking anti-inflammatories may allow you to do a higher training volume/intensity than if you did not, allowing for more adaptation.
This is why pro use lots of recovery aids (compression wear, space boots, ice baths, etc.). If they can recover better they can up the volume.
Interesting! It seems somewhat counter-intuitive insofar as the work you do causes the muscle fibre tears, taking anti inflammation drugs after wont stop the tears so they are there and will be repaired by the body regardless. I would have thought that the “adaptation” in terms of the muscle is the repair process. I don’t understand how anti inflammation drugs would impinge on this repair - do they prevent it happening?
My question is related to my old dodgy knees (that will one day need replacement) and my sport med Doc has prescribed anti inflammation drugs to help with pain/inflammation that i get when I run - and they do help with this aspect but I was wondering what impact, if any, this may be having on the efficacy of training. Is it only minor (so don’t worry about it) or major?
It would seem crazy to run to get fitter/stronger/faster - but this causes knee problems that prevent running - so take anti inflammation tabs so you can run to get fitter/stronger/faster - but these then detracts/eliminates the benefit of doing the running anyway.
I know the advice is coming… so don’t run then!
My common sense view is that if you need NSAIDs to reduce the inflammation after a workout, then you’re basically removing some of your own body’s natural adaptation process from the stress of a hard workout. In that case, just cut the workout short or easier, skip the NSAIDs/Ice/Compression and be at exactly the same place physiologically as you would be with the easier workout. Also making your organs work harder after hard workouts to repair the body, should have long term benefits of making them stronger/more efficient too…maybe not, that’s just my hypothesis . But it stands to reason if organs have to work harder, in recovery, they will adapt to deal with the load. Why do young guys recover faster from workout than old guys? Well heck, it’s cause all their organs are more efficient than old guys. So why take that work load away from the organs…over time, they will become less efficient at dealing with the post workout stresses…again, all hypothesis.
I only take them (sports Doc prescribed) to reduce inflammation and pain associated with degenerative knee problems. I wouldn’t otherwise but they allow me to do some running - not much but enough to get by. I probably really don’t have much choice but it was really just a generalist question - and to see if there was any new information or practical experiences out there.
If your keen on some natural anti inflammatory herbs/supplements Curcumin is the answer.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24982601
If you’d like to travel deeper into the rabbit hole that is natural recovery, and performance enhancement I can help.
This has ahem been covered in detail.
The search function is your friend.
The side effects of NSAIDs (anti-inflammatories) make for impressive reading and a Google Scholar search will turn up a number of studies about them in sport. As with any research, there’s for and against, but using them without knowing of the risks associated with their use is asking for trouble. They can affect hydration and thermo-regulation amongst other things most would not event think about. The major risk though is likely to occur because their use encourages athletes to push harder on already damaged tissue, increasing the damage and extending recovery.
Pain is your body’s way of telling to to back off. Yes it might be seen as weakness leaving the body by some, but you have to listen to your body. It will only push so far before it breaks.
Sorry, ahem, slowtwich regulator.
This has ahem been covered in detail.
The search function is your friend.
Yes, yes, we all know this response. I’m sure nearly every subject has been covered in some form and the search function (or the google function) could provide lots of information but then what would those who know the answers - or don’t and would be interested in knowing - do!
Even using the search function has been covered - a search for using the search would yield results. One of them answers your post too. I think I recall Dev posting a very sensible response on the issue of subjects re-occurring. But (yawn or ahem) thanks anyway.
is there anything you can do with ice and local compression to reduce the inflammation at the knee. Then you localize the anti inflammatory effect rather than have it universal through your entire body. Perhaps that coupled with natural anti inflammatories such as flax seed and cumin may help get you to the same place with some of the negative downside of NSAIDs. You only get one set of organs…treat them well…and perhaps running with hokas, on treadmills or grass/soft dirt trail may allow you to run without the NSAIDs.
Short answer:
Short term: no
Long term: yes
.
Ice - tick (after every run)
Compression - tick (ditto)
Hoka’s - tick (I was on to these in 2011)
Grass and treadmill - tick (steer away from concrete/bitumen)
Fish/krill oil - tick (good for the ticker too they say)
I haven’t tried flax and cumin so I’ll look into that.
Before my first and only IM I got a shot of cortisone in both knees and this was pretty effective. The use of NSAIDs is a band aid for training and for me - probably a necessary evil. I imagine I’m not Robinson Crusoe there.
I must add that I’ve been told in strong terms by my Doc that I’m making my already damaged knees worse and hastening my journey to the operating table for a replacement and at my age (52), that this is not a good thing as they are currently only good for around 10 years. I accept that a more sensible approach would be to try to prolong their life a bit by stopping running in any meaningful way. But I’m a late comer to this sport and want a few more goes so will battle on for the time being. It’s an interesting issue (for many like me) who take them for chronic injuries - not to specifically allow for more training per see.
Still, there’s lots of things in life we shouldn’t do - but do anyway 
Ice - tick (after every run)
Compression - tick (ditto)
Hoka’s - tick (I was on to these in 2011)
**Grass **and treadmill - tick (steer away from concrete/bitumen)
Fish/krill oil - tick (good for the ticker too they say)
i heard that grass was also good against glaucoma
.
As long as you don’t inhale?
Moreover (and back on subject) what about impacts if any on improvement in cardiovascular and aerobic fitness. Is there an impact on aerobic fitness?
Geez what are you lot made of? Glass? I’m only joking. This season I’ve weened myself off of anti-inflammatories completely. I couldn’t have felt better and from my perspective is due to a direct impact of allowing the old bod adapt to training/racing stress. I used to take ibuprofen on a regular basis for most of my runs due to various niggles and hadn’t realised what the net impact would be. So I just decided to put a stop to it. Anyway, I think that we all have run into the cycle of reaching into the medicine cabinet to resolve what ails us. I’d recommend allowing your body to take care of itself without the use of any drugs. And if that means taking an extra day off or an EZ session instead of a hard one, so be it.
Ha - not the first time I’ve heard that (glass). Old, Ex rugby player in Aust with an injury list that supports the glass theory. You do what you’ve gotta do to get on the start line and worry about consequences later. Having had two separate serious brushes with the big C I’m looking to live for today and enjoy tomorrow (even limping) if it comes.
Ice - tick (after every run)
Compression - tick (ditto)
Hoka’s - tick (I was on to these in 2011)
Grass and treadmill - tick (steer away from concrete/bitumen)
Fish/krill oil - tick (good for the ticker too they say)
I haven’t tried flax and cumin so I’ll look into that.
Before my first and only IM I got a shot of cortisone in both knees and this was pretty effective. The use of NSAIDs is a band aid for training and for me - probably a necessary evil. I imagine I’m not Robinson Crusoe there.
I must add that I’ve been told in strong terms by my Doc that I’m making my already damaged knees worse and hastening my journey to the operating table for a replacement and at my age (52), that this is not a good thing as they are currently only good for around 10 years. I accept that a more sensible approach would be to try to prolong their life a bit by stopping running in any meaningful way. But I’m a late comer to this sport and want a few more goes so will battle on for the time being. It’s an interesting issue (for many like me) who take them for chronic injuries - not to specifically allow for more training per see.
Still, there’s lots of things in life we shouldn’t do - but do anyway
I must add that I’ve been told in strong terms by my Doc that I’m making my already damaged knees worse and hastening my journey to the operating table for a replacement------------
This is called AMA-against medical advise. Why not stop running? Why not join someone else and do a relay or just swim/bike events? All of us are going to have to end our weekend adventures at some time in the future and there is no shame if you need to do it in your 50s. Getting a knee replacement does not mean you will be pain free afterwards.
Ice - tick (after every run)
Compression - tick (ditto)
Hoka’s - tick (I was on to these in 2011)
**Grass **and treadmill - tick (steer away from concrete/bitumen)
Fish/krill oil - tick (good for the ticker too they say)
i heard that grass was also good against glaucoma
This is a cross of Kentucky Bluegrass, Featherbed Bent, and Northern California Sensemilia. The amazing stuff about this is that you can play 36 holes on it in the afternoon, take it home and just get stoned to the bejeezus-belt that night on this stuff.